Brake Disc Analysis – Final Conclusions

Brake Disc Analysis – Final Conclusions

Final conclusions concerning the brake disc of Lewis Hamilton / the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team used in qualifying at the 2014 German Grand Prix.

Following extensive joint analysis of the previously unseen failure mode experienced by Lewis Hamilton during Q1 at the German Grand Prix, Brembo and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS have reached definitive conclusions concerning the cause of the failure.

First of all, both parties can now confirm that the quality of the disc material was not a contributory factor.

Instead, extensive analysis and experimentation has demonstrated that the specific interaction between the structure of the brake material in question and the brake mounting on the F1 W05 Hybrid was at the root of the failure.

Countermeasures have already been applied to both the disc geometry and the mounting to ensure there can be no repeat of the failure.

These developments allow the team to once again run Brembo brake disc material, should it choose to do so, in race conditions.

Thanks to the close technical relationship between Brembo and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, we have been able to collaborate to objectively analyse, diagnose and resolve the failure, and we remain committed to a close working relationship in the future.